Another great week of fantasy baseball gets underway this Monday with nine games on the main slate, which begins at 7:07 p.m. ET. Three interleague matchups start the action before three American League contests including an important series between the Houston Astros and the Boston Red Sox, who are each in the race for the playoffs. Three more interleague games close out the night, finishing with the NL West-leading Dodgers welcoming in the Mariners, who are trying to hang in the AL Wild Card.
It’s a fun time of year as teams add new faces to their rosters and call up young players who can make an instant impact. Recent call-ups can be a great source of fantasy value since their salaries are usually low despite their high ceilings. If you need to go cheap at a position or two as you build your lineup this Monday, check out these three rookie bargains that offer high ceilings at very affordable salaries.
Set your DraftKings fantasy baseball lineups here: MLB $225K Knuckleball [$50K to 1st]
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SP Zebby Matthews, Minnesota Twins at San Diego Padres, $7,700
Matthews made his MLB debut last week against the Royals and looked ready to contribute down the stretch for the Twins, who currently hold the second AL Wild Card spot and continue to chase the Guardians for the AL Central lead. Matthews held the Royals to two runs on five hits with five strikeouts to finish with 18.3 fantasy points in five innings of work.
Throughout his quick climb to the majors, the 24-year-old righty has shown off great control and a high strikeout ceiling. In 97 innings across three different levels of the minors this year, he totaled 114 strikeouts, but even more impressively, he only walked seven batters. Against the Royals, he didn’t issue any walks either and showed off plenty of potential. In this matchup at pitcher-friendly Petco Park, he brings the best upside of the available value plays even though the Padres are no pushovers.
OF Grant McCray, San Francisco Giants vs. Chicago White Sox, $2,500
McCray has taken over in CF for the Giants since being called up for his MLB debut last week. He has been batting ninth in the order but showcasing plenty of pop with an extra-base hit in each of his last three games. Overall, he has gone 5-for-14 (.357) with a .467 wOBA and 55.6% hard-hit rate, per Statcast.
In the recent MLB Pipeline prospect rankings, McCray was the No. 11 prospect in the Giants’ system, but he looks ready to make an impact at the MLB level right now. He gets a great matchup this Monday against the White Sox and starter Jonathan Cannon ($6,200). Cannon is also a rookie and has been volatile throughout his 13 MLB starts. One consistent issue has been his struggles against left-handed hitters, who have a .339 wOBA including nine of the 12 home runs against Cannon this year. McCray homered on Thursday for his first MLB long ball and had 12 homers and 14 stolen bases in his 97 games at Double-A and Triple-A this year. He has good power and speed potential in this matchup and is a great bargain buy at only $2,500.
2B Will Wagner, Toronto Blue Jays vs. Cincinnati Reds, $2,400
The Blue Jays acquired Wagner from the Astros as part of the trade for Yusei Kikuchi, and the 26-year-old looks ready to step into meaningful playing time now that his path isn’t blocked by Jose Altuve in Houston. In Triple-A for the Sugar Land Space Cowboys, he hit .307 with a .392 wOBA in 70 games this year, and he was even better in his short time with the Buffalo Bison, hitting .400 with a .496 wOBA in seven games before being called up.
Wagner made his MLB debut last Monday and went 8-for-15 in his four starts. He had three doubles, three RBI and an average of 10.5 fantasy points in those four games and will likely be back in the starting lineup on Monday against the Reds. Cincinnati hasn’t announced a starting pitcher yet, and if it is a lefty, that may force Wagner to the bench. However, if the starter is a righty look for Wagner to continue his hot start and be a great value at 2B this Monday.
Set your DraftKings fantasy baseball lineups here: MLB $225K Knuckleball [$50K to 1st]
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I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user (my username is z.thompson) and may sometimes play on my personal account in the games that I offer advice on. Although I have expressed my personal view on the games and strategies above, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and do not constitute a representation that any particular strategy will guarantee success. All customers should use their own skill and judgment in building lineups. I may also deploy different players and strategies than what I recommend above. I am not an employee of DraftKings and do not have access to any non-public information.
